Elvis Approved: 1971 Mercury Capri
The Mercury Capri is one of those cars that people don’t understand. Or at least they didn’t understand when it was new. It was a sporty manual gearbox equipped 2+2 built in Germany that was sold at Lincoln-Mercury dealers for much less than a Mercury Cougar. But Elvis understands the Capri. He gets the international roots and the sublime handling that goes with a small 2.6 liter Cologne V6. Find this 1971 Mercury Capri offered for $14,500 in Quakertown, PA via craigslist. Tip from Cory.
From the seller:
1973 mercury capri
cylinders: 6 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 10000000
paint color: green
title status: clean
transmission: manual
Thinking of selling my rare customized German built 1973 Ford Capri MK1. 2600 cc, 2.6L V6, 4 speed, fresh heads, 390 cfm 4bbl, rare offy intake, headers, dual exhaust, fender flares, roll bar. Spares include new carpet and weather-stripping, tons of documentation, books, etc. Metallic paint looks great in the sun, body is solid but DIY 10′ body work. Fun to drive, lots of looks and “I remember those in high school….” conversations. Firm on the price, open to trades.
See a better way to drive something green? tips@dailyturismo.com
I loved these when I first saw them but had to settle for the ’76 Ford Capri II by the time I could look at one, I think it had a 2.8 l V4 and hatch, but mine was a big disappointment with steering and brakes. It expected it to be better balanced, especially when I got it new and had to bring it back a few times to get it set up. I found it to light in the rear in wet/sloppy weather. I was used to VW beetles and Ford full size coupe with 3-in-tree and 260 ci V8.
Drove one for a summer in Sweden back in..um…….1976. This one looks like Elvis hugged it and blew chunks